John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor
Aug 14, 2024Fact checked
THE WINNER
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back is the winner over Discover it® Chrome in a very close call. Discover it® Cash Back has a high (5%) bonus cash back rate that applies to the first $1,500 spent in designated rotating categories that change each quarter and require activation. Discover it Chrome is more consistent but has a lower ceiling, giving you 2% bonus cash back on the first $1,000 spent per quarter in the same categories – gas and restaurants – all the time.
Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Chrome both offer 1% cash back on other purchases. Both double all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of the first year. Neither charges an annual fee or a foreign transaction fee. And you won’t get either without a good or excellent credit score.
You can learn more about how the two stack up against one another in various categories below.
WalletHub's credit card comparisons and ratings are completely independent and not provided, commissioned, or endorsed by any issuer. WalletHub independently collected information for
some of the cards
on this page.
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Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Chrome: Key Characteristics
winner
Discover it® Cash Back
Sponsored Card
3.9WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.9
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Finance New Purchases." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
3.9
User Reviews
3.8
Market Comparison
3.9
fees: 5.0
rewards: 3.3
cost: 3.7
APR: 3.9
Apply Now
Discover it® Chrome
Sponsored Card
4.1WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.1
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Lower Cost of Existing Debt." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
3.6
User Reviews
3.5
Market Comparison
4.2
fees: 5.0
cost: 4.0
APR: 4.4
Apply Now
user reviews
user reviews
WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.9
WalletHub Rating
3.9
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Finance New Purchases." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
3.9
User Reviews
3.8
Market Comparison
3.9
fees: 5.0
rewards: 3.3
cost: 3.7
APR: 3.9
4.1
WalletHub Rating
4.1
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Lower Cost of Existing Debt." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
3.6
User Reviews
3.5
Market Comparison
4.2
fees: 5.0
cost: 4.0
APR: 4.4
credit card company
credit card company
Discover®
Discover®
Accepted credit scores
Accepted credit scores
Excellent, Good
Excellent, Good
annual fee
annual fee
$0
$0
purchase intro apr
purchase intro apr
Discover it Cash Back.Purchase Intro A.P.R. 0%for15 months
Discover it Chrome.Purchase Intro A.P.R. 0%for6 months
transfer intro apr
transfer intro apr
Discover it Cash Back.Transfer Intro A.P.R. 0% for 15 months| 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Discover it Chrome.Transfer Intro A.P.R. 0% for 18 months| 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
regular apr
regular apr
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
bonus offer
bonus offer
None
None
rewards rate
rewards rate
Discover it Cash Back - Rewards Rate. 1 - 5% Cash Back
Discover it Chrome - Rewards Rate. 1 - 2% Cash Back
Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Chrome: Rewards
Discover it Cash Back gives 5% cash back up to a quarterly maximum spent in rotating bonus categories that change each quarter and require activation. Discover it Chromealways gives 2% cash back on your first $1,000 spent on gas and restaurant purchases per quarter. Which is better for you comes down to if you want a high cash back rate but ever-changing categories you need to sign-up for quarterly or a lower rate and consistency. Both cards give you 1% cash back on all purchases outside of the bonus categories. And both match your first year’s cash back on your account anniversary.
winner
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Chrome
rewards Type
rewards Type
Cash Back
Cash Back
bonus offer
bonus offer
N/A
N/A
rewards rate
rewards rate
1 - 5% Cash Back
1 - 2% Cash Back
rewards details
rewards details
Discover it Cash Back - Rewards Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
Discover it Chrome - Rewards Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Chrome: Interest Rates
Discover it Chrome offers a longer intro period for balance transfers (balance transfer fees apply). Discover it Cash Back however comes with a better intro APR deal on purchases.Both cards have the same Variable APR.
Purchase Interest Rates
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Chrome
purchase intro rate
purchase intro rate
0% for 15 months
0% for 6 months
regular apr
regular apr
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
Balance Transfer Interest Rates
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Chrome
Balance Transfer Intro APR
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% for 15 months
0% for 18 months
regular apr
regular apr
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
balance transfer fee
balance transfer fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Chrome: Additional Info
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Chrome
foreign transaction fee
foreign transaction fee
0%
0%
cash advance apr
cash advance apr
29.99% Variable
29.99% Variable
cash advance fee
cash advance fee
Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
grace period
grace period
See Terms
See Terms
Additional Info
Additional Info
Discover it Cash Back - Additional Info
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Discover it Chrome - Additional Info
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Chrome: Credit Required
Both Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Chrome requiregood credit for approval, which means you have the best chances with a score of 700+.
Category Winner: Tie
Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Chrome: Ratings
Discover it Cash Back receives a score of 3.9/5 from WalletHub’s editors. Discover it Chrome only gets 3.6/5. The deciding factor is the greater upside potential of Discover it Cash Back's bonus cash back categories. Both cards get an average of 4.0/5 from WalletHub’s users.
Category Winner: Discover it Cash Back
winner
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Chrome
user reviews
user reviews
(1,672)
(242)
EDITOR'S RATING
EDITOR'S RATING
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5
WALLETHUB RATING
WALLETHUB RATING
3.9 / 5
WalletHub Rating
3.9
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Finance New Purchases." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
3.9
User Reviews
3.8
Market Comparison
3.9
fees: 5.0
rewards: 3.3
cost: 3.7
APR: 3.9
4.1 / 5
WalletHub Rating
4.1
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Lower Cost of Existing Debt." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
3.6
User Reviews
3.5
Market Comparison
4.2
fees: 5.0
cost: 4.0
APR: 4.4
BEST WHEN USED TO
BEST WHEN USED TO
Finance New Purchases
Lower Cost of Existing Debt
About the Author
John S Kiernan
Credit Card Editor
John Kiernan has covered the credit card industry for more than 15 years as a writer and editor for WalletHub. His work has been featured by major media outlets such as The Washington Post, Fox News and The New York Times and has been cited by industry regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
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Still not sure?
Check out other popular cards from our partners related to Discover it® Cash Back and Discover it® Chrome.
Citi Double Cash® Card
4.9WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.9
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
5.0
User Reviews
3.4
Market Comparison
5.0
fees: 5.0
rewards: 5.0
cost: 5.0
Other Features: 5.0
Purchase Intro APR→Not Offered
Transfer Intro APR→0% for 18 months|Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min) for each transfer
Regular APR→19.24% - 29.24% (V)
Purchase Intro APR
Not Offered
Transfer Intro APR
0% for 18 months|Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min) for each transfer
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (V)
annual fee
$0
rewards rate
2% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$200
Bonus Offer
$200
accepted credit
Excellent Credit, Good Credit, Fair Credit
Pros
- Offers 2% cash back
- $0 annual fee
- $200 initial rewards bonus
- Low intro APR on balance transfers
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- High regular APR
Rewards Details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
Additional Info
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Pros, Cons, & Details
Citi Custom Cash® Card
4.3WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.3
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Gas Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
4.4
User Reviews
3.5
Market Comparison
4.3
fees: 3.8
rewards: 4.7
cost: 4.6
Other Features: 0.0
Purchase Intro APR→0%for15 months
Transfer Intro APR→0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5)
Regular APR→19.24% - 29.24% (V)
Purchase Intro APR
0%for15 months
Transfer Intro APR
0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5)
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (V)
annual fee
$0
rewards rate
1 - 5% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$200
Bonus Offer
$200
accepted credit
Excellent Credit, Good Credit
Pros
- $200 initial bonus
- $0 annual fee
- Up to 5% cash back
- 0% introductory APRs
Cons
- Bonus rewards limit
- High regular APR
- Foreign transaction fee
Rewards Details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
Additional Info
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
Pros, Cons, & Details
Questions & Answers
Comparing credit cards can be tough. But you’ve got the knowledgeable WalletHub community on your side. We encourage everyone to share their knowledge while respecting our content guidelines. Please keep in mind that editorial and user-generated content on this page is not reviewed or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution. In addition, it is not the financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Most Popular
53
Upvotes
How does the Discover cashback bonus work?
Reply
53
10
Dominick Evans
@dominickevans
The Discover cash back bonus pays you back a certain percentage of the money you spend as a reward. The Discover cash back bonus can be redeemed either at select merchants or for cash. More specifically, there are three types of Discover cashback bonuses:
- 5% bonus rate: You earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined category spending per quarter in rotating bonus categories (which change every quarter and require activation), and 1% back on all other purchases. The Discover credit cards that offer this deal are the Discover it® Cash Back, the NHL® Discover it®, and the Discover it® Student Cash Back.
- Cash back in categories that don't change: Other Discover cards offer a cashback bonus in certain categories that never change. Discover it® Chrome, Discover it® Student Chrome and Discover it® Secured Credit Card offer 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 spent each quarter combined), and 1% back on all other purchases.
- Cashback Match: There's a final Discover cashback bonus that all Discover cards have. With Cashback Match, Discover will match all the rewards you earn the first year your account is open. So, if you rack up $500 in rewards during the first 12 months, for example, Discover will tack on another $500 as an anniversary present.
Discover's 2% cash back bonus and Cashback Match are fairly simple, but there are several other details you'll need to know about the 5% bonus. To start, Discover has a cash back calendar showing when the categories rotate. And to get the 5% Discover cashback bonus, you need to “activate” it every quarter. You can easily do so by logging in to your Discover account from their cash back bonus page. You can activate the new categories on the first day of the quarter.
10
View more answers
43
Upvotes
What is the Discover calendar?
Reply
43
6
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The Discover calendar shows what purchases qualify for Discover's 5% cash back bonus rewards categories. Eligible cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent per quarter in the purchase categories listed on Discover's bonus rewards calendar, when they activate.
2024 Discover Calendar for 5% Rewards Categories:
Dates | Bonus Categories |
January - March | Restaurants and drug... |
show more
4
19
Upvotes
How do I activate a Discover card?
Reply
19
2
WalletHub
@WalletHub
To activate a Discover card, use the online activation page or call Discover customer service at (800) 347-2683. Discover card activation requires a Social Security number as well as the card number, expiration date and security code.
You don't need a Discover username and password to activate a Discover card online. But having an account can streamline the process because you won't have to enter extra personal information to verify your identity. Either way, Discover...
show more
7
1
29
Upvotes
What are the Discover it Cash Back categories for rewards?
Reply
29
5
Charlie Smith
@charliesmith
The Discover it® Cash Back categories for rewards include a broad range of everyday spending, such as gas stations, home improvement stores, and public transit. Cash back categories are the types of purchases that cardholders can earn 5% cash back on, up to $1,500 spent per quarter.
Here are the Discover it Cash Back Categories for 2024
- January-March: Restaurants and drugstores
- April-June: Gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores, and public transit
- July-September:...
show more
5
1
View more answers
22
Upvotes
Where do I see what Discover it Cash Back designs are available?
Reply
22
3
WalletHub
@WalletHub
You can see what Discover it® Cash Back designs are available online, either while applying for the card or, if you're already a cardholder, by logging into your account. Options for Discover it Cash Back designs depend on whether you're opening a new account or looking for a replacement card. You'll have a small number of generic designs to choose from when applying for a new account. But once your account is open, you can immediately order a replacement card bearing...
show more
12
13
Upvotes
What is the Discover it sign-up bonus?
Reply
13
Lashanda Taylor
@lashandataylor
The Discover it® Cash Back sign-up bonus is 2X rewards during the first 12 months of account opening. The new cardholders will earn the regular amount of rewards during those 12 months, then a bonus equal to all rewards earned will be posted within 2 billing periods of the first account anniversary.
Discover it Cash Back bonus categories:
Except for the Discover it Cash Back sign-up bonus, the card also offers bonus rewards on purchases. More specifically, with this card, you get...
show more
1
13
Upvotes
How does the Discover it Cash Back referral system work?
Reply
13
3
WalletHub
@WalletHub
The Discover it® Cash Back referral system is an easy way to earn extra rewards each year. All you need is a referral link, which only takes a few minutes to get, plus some friends or family members who are interested in opening a new credit card account.
Here's how to get the Discover it Cash Back referral bonus:
- Go to Discover's website.
- Log into your Discover account.
- Go to the Account Center home page.
- ...
show more
8
View more answers
7
Upvotes
Is there a Discover Amazon deal?
Reply
7
3
Bogdan Roberts, Credit Cards Moderator
@bogdan_roberts
Yes, there is a Discover – Amazon deal and their partnership has been ongoing, with several offers for a while now.
Here are the Discover it - Amazon deals:
Buy merchandise with rewards: Offer applies to most Discover cards. You can use your Discover rewards to "Shop with Points" on Amazon.com. All you need to do is link your eligible Discover card to your Amazon account, select Discover as your payment method and apply your Discover rewards....
show more
6
21
Upvotes
What's the best Discover balance transfer promotion right now?
Reply
21
2
Lisa Cahill, Credit Cards Moderator
@lisacahill
The best Discover balance transfer promotion right now is 0% intro for 18 months, offered by the Discover it® Chrome card. The Discover it Chrome is the best Discover card for balance transfers because it offers the longest intro APR. It also has a $0 annual fee.
This card requires good credit or better for approval. Its regular APR is 18.24% - 28.24% Variable. It also has a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.
12
1
19
Upvotes
What is the starting Discover it Cash Back credit limit?
Reply
19
2
George Cook
@cook_george
The Discover it® Cash Back credit limit is at least $500 for all cardholders. It has the potential to be higher, too. Discover does not disclose a maximum credit limit, but there are reports of some cardholders receiving credit limits between $2,000 and $11,000.
As with all credit cards, an applicant will need to exceed the Discover it Cash Back card's approval requirements in order to get a credit limit above the minimum. Credit limits are based on much of...
show more
5
1
View more answers
More Resources
Just because these are two popular Discover cardsthatdoesn't necessarily mean either one is right for you. So if you're still on the fence about which credit card to apply for, checking out these additional resources may be helpful:
- Chase Freedom vs Discover it Cash Back
- Best Discover Card
- Discover it Cash Back Review
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Advertising enables WalletHub to provide you proprietary tools, services, and content at no charge. Advertising does not impact WalletHub's editorial content including our best credit card picks, reviews, ratings and opinions. Those are completely independent and not provided, commissioned, or endorsed by any issuer, as our editors follow a strict editorial policy.
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Irrespective of whether an institution or professional is a paid advertiser, the presence of information on WalletHub does not constitute a referral or endorsem*nt of the institution or professional by us or vice versa.
We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. Actual terms may vary. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.
* The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: NHL® Discover it®, Amazon Credit Card, and Amazon Store Card.
